After the cancellation of the Nice Ironman by prefectural decree due to the heat wave, several hundred triathletes are considering starting Sunday morning on the original course. Dubbed “Ironman off,” this initiative, launched on social media, is generating many reactions. The authorities remind that the roads will not be secured and that any violation may be sanctioned.
The cancellation of the Nice Ironman has not ended the plans of many participants. On social media, Jérémy, known by the pseudonym iron_pinpon, invites registered athletes to cover the planned distances Sunday morning, without official organization or assistance. “Regarding the invitation for Sunday. You can imagine there are 4,000 people here this weekend, they won’t leave with their bikes like that. Sunday morning at 6 o’clock it will be 25°, at noon it will be 32°. So, for all those registered for the Ironman and Half Ironman, clearly they are seasoned athletes, they won’t push themselves too hard cycling at 27, 28° average temperature.”
The meeting is set for 6:20 a.m. at Ponchettes beach in Nice. The chosen course would correspond to the one planned by the official organization, with possible adaptation on a pass that was to be exceptionally opened for the competition.
Groups of participants plan to complete either the Ironman format or the 70.3 format, with breaks in restaurants. Several residents are also considering offering water, opening their homes or providing informal assistance in certain villages along the route.
A triathlete registered for the event, who wishes to remain anonymous, describes already significant mobilization. “There are many interested people, there are many private groups being created, with more than 200 participants across several groups. I’m part of one and the guys are motivated, so it’s cool.”
An initiative that divides and is under surveillance
The post quickly generated many comments. Some internet users defend the freedom of each athlete to ride under their own responsibility and recall that some editions of the Ironman have already taken place in comparable or even higher temperatures. Others denounce an initiative deemed dangerous due to the heat, the absence of dedicated rescue services, and the current pressure on emergency services.
The authorities are now monitoring the situation closely. Law enforcement indicates that particular vigilance will be in place Sunday morning to prevent any gathering and avoid safety problems on a course that will have no road closures.
The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture has also issued a statement in which it announces it is entitled to fine anyone wanting to start: “Due to the cancellation of this Sunday’s Ironman event, athletes are planning to do ‘their own’ Ironman. We remind that this decision was made for the protection and integrity of everyone. Any violation of the ban may be subject to a fine and that as the routes are not secured, any use of them will be at their own risk and peril with danger to themselves and other users. This concerns roadways with other road users, pedestrians on the Promenade des Anglais as well as boats and other maritime users. Maritime navigation remains very active beyond the 300m zone.”
One participant sums up the uncertainty surrounding this initiative. “Theoretically, it’s prohibited. So we’ll see how it goes tomorrow. In my opinion, since everyone is starting to talk about it, there could be a lot of people. We’ll see what the prefect or others say.”
The Nice Ironman was cancelled Friday by prefectural decree. The decision was not made by the organizers but by the authorities, due to the heat wave and the heavy burden on rescue and emergency services. Ironman France announced that communication regarding reimbursement procedures and any postponements will be released in the coming days.
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